Review:   For many years people have made special gifts to  

Our Savior Lutheran Church for many reasons. These gifts were not to be used for General Fund operating expenses but rather for something "special." Most of the gifts were made as a memorial in memory of a loved one who had died. Some of the gifts were given 

with a specific purpose in mind, such as a bell for the bell choir or to support a particular mission.  But some of the gifts had no specific designated purpose. They were made to the glory of God in memory of the deceased loved one. Our congregation had no defined mechanism to direct these funds, so no action was taken except to maintain their identity as a "memorial gift." About two years ago things changed. The congregation created the OSLM Endowment Fund (EF). All the undesignated memorial gifts were combined and they became the corpus of the Fund. The congregation has created Rules and Guidelines to help the OSLMEF committee operate. More to come on this next month.

Update: Here's some very current news...

This year the OSLMEF committee determined that up to $500 could be distributed for worthy purposes. In March, an invitation for grant applications was issued with a submission deadline of September 1. The number and kinds of activities that could qualify are too numerous to mention here, but two of the possibilities are group mission trips and OSLM school tuition support for needy families.  One application was submitted, reviewed, and deemed suitable.  Consequently, our Senior High Youth will receive $500 to help cover their expenses for a five-day mission trip next summer. As trip plans develop, I or DCE Sara Agee, will keep you informed.

In the name of Jesus,

Bob Hickman, OSLMEF Committee Member 

Jesus performed His miracle in the feeding of the 5,000 using only five barley loaves and two fish. While we are not Jesus and we cannot perform miracles, He did direct us to help our neighbors by sharing our blessings. This November let's share our blessings by providing food to support Open Heart Kitchen. Every Sunday in November a free will offering of canned goods and packaged foods will be collected just before the services begins. During this offering, bring your food items to the front of the church and place them by the Cornucopia. On Thanksgiving Day the food will be blessed during the service and the taken to Open Heart Kitchen by volunteers. Please see Theresa Scharlemann to volunteer to help transport the food.

Special thanks to Kris Back and the Divine Design Team for constructing the beautiful Cornucopia. Let's fill it up!           

Church Extension Fund has a new children's program called "Children Exploring Finance" that offers youth an opportunity to learn about Christian stewardship and basic finance in a fun and interactive way while partnering with CEF to support the ministries it serves.  Look for the colorful flyer in the back of the sanctuary for details on the program. 

"Children Exploring Finance" also encourages parents, grandparents, and other individuals to invest in CEF for the benefit of children. An investment might be given as a gift for a baptism, birthday, holiday, or for a graduation from any grade. To learn more, please talk with our congregational representative Bill Wills at 447-2142 or call CEF toll-free at (866) 452-6739.

Do you need something special for your Thanksgiving Table? How about something for your host? You are sure to find the perfect thing at our annual Holiday Boutique! Plan to come on Saturday, November 8, 10am to 3pm.   

This year's boutique has an even greater variety of artists and most everything is hand crafted.   From confectionery, to woodworking, to personalized napkins and more, we'll have things you can't find anywhere else. And of course, your long-time favorite vendors are back with new jewelry, tote bags, knitwear and more!

Even if you don't think you need something, come enjoy the festive atmosphere. Walk around sipping a hot chocolate while you enjoy the Christmas music. Bring a friend and make a day of it by treating yourselves to lunch! Our high school youth will be selling breakfast and lunch items to benefit their outreach and mission work. You won't find a better deal! Not only that, you will be helping our church: vendor booth fees are given to the youth fund.   So shoppers, show your support for the ministry! We'd love to see you there. 

Contact Nora Zinnel or Heidi Wolfson if you have any questions.

Here are 3 upcoming opportunities to help support OSLS:

Buffalo Wild Wing Wednesday - New Family Fun starting Wednesday, November 5th. Support OSLS and PTO by taking part in Family Fun- the first Wednesday of every month (November-June 2015).  A percentage of your purchase will go directly back to the school. Just bring in the flier or mention OSLS before paying. Valid on dine-in or pick-up orders. 

Page Mill Winery Twilight Tasting (Adult Only Event) -  PTO would like to welcome you to our 2nd Annual Twilight Tasting at Page Mill Winery, just down the road from Our Savior, on Thursday, November 6th.  PTO will be hosting the food (featuring light snacks and appetizers); come early before it's gone! There will also be a local dessert vendor and one of our very own OSLS parents performing live music. Come out for a wonderful evening of wine and fun....and f eel free to invite your friends.

Help support the Our Savior Lutheran School Turkey Trot on Friday, November 14th!  This event is one of our biggest fundraising events of the year, and your donation will help our school raise as much as we can for the reading literacy programs, playground upgrades, and preschool shade structure.  Please donate on-line today. Your donation is tax deductible.                                 http://www.oslspto.org/OSLS_PTO/Turkey_Trot.html

Winter provides challenges for the homeless people in our community.  Through CityServe, the Reach-Out Team has learned of another resource where Our Savior members can volunteer to help those in need. 

Mission Statement: The Livermore Homeless Refuge exists to provide a clean, dry, warm and safe refuge for people who need a place to stay overnight, regardless of race, creed, or religion.

Weather:

Refuge Rotation: The Refuge rotates every three weeks between Asbury, Vineyard, and Holy Cross churches, and First Presbyterian on the weekends, provided the conditions have been met to open the Refuge.

Hospitality Shift: 6:00-8:00pm

Night Shifts:  8:00pm-12:00 am, 12:00 am-3:30 am, 3:30 am-7:30 am

Go to www.livermorehomelessrefuge.org and click on the "Getting Involved" tab to fill out forms. Mail or drop off the completed forms to  Asbury UMC, c/o Livermore Homeless Refuge, 4743 East Avenue,  Livermore, CA 94550. (Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.)

The following items are still needed to be ready to resume operation of the Refuge on November 1:

•  14 pillows
•  10 sleeping bags
•  25 exercise mats to go under sleeping bags (Wal-Mart)
•  Trash bags (39-gallon size)
•  Cleaning supplies (Clorox, toilet bowl cleaner, etc.)
•  Laundry soap
•  Disinfectant spray
•  Hand sanitizer
•  Rubber gloves

Please bring donated items to the OSLM church office by Thursday, October 30. Thank you!

If you are interested in getting current information on outreach opportunities, please sign-up to receive emails from the Reach-Out Team at Our Savior.  Contact Glenna Sanlis at gsanlis@sbcglobal.net to be added to the list.  God's blessings to you as you work for Him!